Fiberboard container having reinforced ends and integral hinged closure



d 2 w. G. GLASCOFF, JR.. ETAL FIBERBOARD CONTAINER HAVING REINFORCED ENDS AND INTEGRAL HINGED CLOSURE Filed Jan. 12,1945 2 Sheets-Sheet l I I l Oct. 22, 1946. w. s. GLASCOFF, JR., ETAL 5 FIBEHBOARD CONTAINER HAVING REINFORCED ENDS I AND INTEGRAL HINGED CLOSURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 12, 1945 Patented Oct. 22, 1946 CLOSURE 7 FORCED ENDS 'AND INTEGRAL HINGED Walter Glascofi, in, and Charles Evert, T t I t 1 Milwaukee, Wis., assignors to Downing Box t i t c, ,Wis.,-. acorporationof Company, Milwauke Wisconsin Application January :12; 1945, Serial-No.572',444

eclaims. (craze-23) a a a 1 a This invention relates tainers, and more particularly to containers adapted for the transportation and handlin of bottled or canned beverages such as beer.

Containers formed of fiberboard have in recent years, because of their relatively inexpensive nature and lightness in weight, become increasinglypopularforuse as beverage cases in lieu of the wooden boxes formerly employed. Two types of fiberboard containers are commonly used; One type,- the' single shipment variety, is formed of relatively light-weight fiberboard and'is of a very inexpensive nature. The other type, with which the present inventiorris c'oncerned,must beconstructed to stand up satisfactorily when're-used seven or eight times. Containers of this latter variety as'heretofore constructed have, however, been objectionable for a number of reasons. Inasmuch as it is common practice to pick up a' beverage caseby the hand hole of one end wall only, a great deal of strain is'placed on saidend wall, causing tearing, particularly at the corners. In addition, the usual fiberboard container of this type will not withstand a largeamount of inward pressure on the side ortop and .will not with standpressures applied to two diagonally opposite corners. Furthermore; difficulty has been encountered in maintaining the hinged covers against popping open during handling.

It is, therefore, a, general object of the p'resent invention to provide an improved fiberboard'c'ontainer which is constructed in a novl manner to provide greater rigidity in all directions. Thus the ,box=wi1lwithstand the usual rough handling,

' the containers can be stacked one on top of another without' fear of crushing those below, and the .containersycannot' be: injured when pr'essures of the usual type are applied to two diagonally opposite corners. l j

A jfurther object of thein'ven'tion 'is to'provide a container including complementary hinged coverstt'he :covers andend walls being constructed in a novel' mannerto cooperate with each other in producing a bracing efiect against bothinward and outward strains when the covers are closed.

A further object of the invention'is 'to'provide a container of the class described wherein'the covers are maintained'firmly' in. position even when the box is subjected to diagonalpressures.

A further-object of theiin'vention isito provide a container-formedof fiberboard or the like which" has-such strength, rigidity,' and resistance to tear-' ing "or breaking forces that it can be re-used a relatively large number of times. I

A more specific object of the invention is to to improvements in'construction is such that "thechannels' 2 t, provide a container, as above described, having complementary hinged covers wherein each'cover member is formed with side and end flanges, and whereinthecontainer end walls are provided with upper edge slots for receiving the meeting side flanges and with-upper edge grooves or channels for receivin the end flanges of the cover members. The construction of the present invention is anjmprovement; over'the construction of RichardsandEvert application, Serial No. 521,936, filedFebruary 11, 1944,-now matured into Patent N'o" -;,2,38 2,819,- and Richards and Evert application, Serial No. 545,792 filedJuly 20,-1944, n ow maturedinto Patent No. 2,387,184, in that the end walls are so formed as to increase the rigidity thereof and provide a smooth external surface, The upper edge cover-.flangeereceiving channels are concealed from view whenlooking at an end of the box,; andthe=channels "do not provide projections? from :thetends f of the container which might catch on objects during "handlingand cause damage to the contain err;Furthermore,the conare braced againstoutward flexing};

1 *A' further; and more specific object of s the invention'is to provide "a construction wherein each end wall channel is preferably formed integral with andis embraced by inner and outer end wall layers,- each channel including a portion bent downwardly from the upper edge of an inner end wall layer and then upwardly to join the upper edge of an outer end wall layer, theupper edge of theinner layer and the downwardly bent channel-forming portion being provided with an upper edgeslot.

- A furtherspecific object"of theinvention isto' and outer end wall layers. By this-arrangement the downwardly and upwardlyj-bent channelforming portions are 'held in properly separated {condition for readily'receiving the end flanges of the'cover members. Furthermore, the end wall channels do not project an undesired distance beyond the surfaces of the inner layers of the end walls,-'-and said channels'are neatly concealed between the innerfand outer-end Wall layers.

With the above and other objects in view the invention consists of the improved container and all its parts and combinations, as set forth in the claims and all equivalents thereof:

In the accompanying drawings illustrating one complete embodiment of the preferred form of the invention, in which the same reference numerals designate the same parts in all of the views:

Fig. 1 is a perspective viewof the container with the cover sections open; i 1

Fig. 2 is an end view with the covers closed, parts being broken away; a

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary verticalsectionalview taken on line 33 of Fig. 2; V a

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of oneof the cut and scored end Wall blanks before folding; and

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the blank'of Fig. 5 after the upper edge portions have been folded to form a channel.

Referring more particularly to the drawings,

the box illustratedis of the Bliss type, but features of the invention are obviously applicable for use in other types of boxes. The container comprises side walls I l and I2 foldably connected to opposite edges of a bottom wall I3, cover members I4 and I5 foldable toward one another from the upper edges of the side walls I and I2, and plural thickness end walls l6 and I1 secured by metal stitchin |8, or in any other suitable manner, to stitching flaps 9 and 20. The side walls, bottom wall, end walls and cover are preferablyformed of solid fiberboard. They may, however, be formed of corrugated board or other suitable material of like nature. 7 The cover section M has its outer edge formed with a right-angularly bent side flange 2| and has its end' edges formed with end flanges 22. Tongues 23, bent at right angles to the end flanges 22, are stapled as at 24 to the ends of the side flange 2 In order to obtain maximum reinforcement at'the free edge of the cover member and provide extra material for a yielding angular tongue 2|, the side flange 2| is of greater depth than the end flanges 22. Furthermore, the ends of the side flanges are cut down in depth, as at 25, to coincide with the depth of the tongues 23. The other cover member I5 is similarly formed with a side flange 26 having an angular yielding tongue 26', and with end flanges 21 having tongues 28 which are stapled to the ends of the side flange as at 29. The ends of the side flange 26 are cut down in depth as at 30.

The end walls l6 and I! are identical in construction and, therefore, the description of one end wall will suffice. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6 the end wall blank has an inner hand hole 3| and also has spaced parallel lines of scoring 32, 33 and 45 which define an inner end wall layer 46, a downwardly foldable channel-forming portion 34 and an upwardly foldable channel-forming portion 35, and an outer end wall layer 41 having an outer hand hole 43. Midway between the sides of the blank is a slot which crosses the line of scoring 32. This forms a slot portion 36 extending downwardly from the score line 32 in the end wall layer 45 and a slot portion 31' which extends downwardly in the channel-forming portion 34 and which registers with the slot portion 35 when the blank is folded, as in Fig. 6. In addition, there are horizontal slots 38 at the ends of the score line 33 between the downwardly'and upwardly foldable portions 34 and 35.

' wall flanges I9.

When the end walls are assembled in the container the downwardly folded channel-forming portions 34 contact the inner sides of the upper edges of the flanges l9 connected with the side walls, as is clear from Figs. 1 and 2. The upwardly folded channel-forming portion 35 contacts the outer sides of the upper ends of the side This arrangement is permitted by the slots 38, which slots receive the upper ends of the flanges l9. Thus these upper ends of the flanges [9 space the two portions 34 and 35 of the channels a required'distance apart. In addition, this arrangement prevents the channelforming members from projecting too far outwardly from the ends of the box. The outer end wall layer 41 is folded downwardly on the outer sides of the flanges l9 and 20 to conceal the latter and the folds 34 and 35. Thus the end walls present a smooth appearance and there are no projections to catch on objects during use. Staples 4%], which extend through the outer layer 4?, through the ends of the channel-forming portion 35, through the upper ends of the flanges l3, through the ends of the channel-forming portion 34, and through the inner end wall layer, maintain the end wall channels in assembled position. The staples I8 pass through the end wall layer 41, through the flanges l9 and 20 and through the layer 46.

When the cover sections l4 and I5 are closed, the cut-down portions 25 and 30 of the cover side flanges 2| and 26, together with the inwardly bent tongues 23 and 28, are received in the downwardly extending slots of the end walls, as is illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. These slots are formed by portions 36 extending downwardly from the upper edges of the end walls and by portions 31 extending downwardly in the downwardly foldable channel-forming part 34. At the same time the end flanges 22 and 21 of the cover members are received within the end wall channels. The parts are so arranged so that these cover end flanges readily enter the channels. On the other hand the spacing is such that when fully inserted in the channels they are frictionally maintained in position. Furthermore, the meeting flanges 2| and 26 of the two cover members fiictionally "engage one another in closed position and are also frictionally held in the end wall slots.

Due to the novel use of the plural thickness end wall layers which embrace and conceal the end wall channels, together with end wall slots, the container possesses unusual rigidity. The side flanges 2| and 26 of the covers reinforce the covers against downward pressure and also strengthen the box against inward pressures on the end walls. Such inward pressure is also prevented because of the engagement of the cover end flanges in the channels. At the same time the channels embraced between the plural layers prevent outward strains on the end walls from causing the end walls to bow outwardly. Due to the snug fit of all of the parts, when in closed position, the container is strongly braced against diagonal pressures. Furthermore, the possibility of the cover members popping open during handling is minimized.

Although only one form of the invention has been described, it is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the end wall members of Fig. 6 may be formed of other material than paper board which has been molded to provide the upper edge channels'and the side: and-:bottom erqoverfortreceiv z dition; the construction" as t'0:certain: features maybe employed in boxies'xotherthan the ,Bliss type. 1 133 if What we claimtisu: 1

1.;In' a containerllavings'sid each end wall comprisingxinner-and outerilayers;

and :the inner'layer of each end .wall havingsan upper edge portioniolded downwardly. and then;

upwardly: to join 'the upper edge of the outerl layer and provide an upwardly opening channel between the two 1 layers; 'complementaryft 'cover with the end flaps of the side and bottom. wall received between said inner and outer layers, means between said layers providing an ,upwardly opening channel at the upper edge of each end wall, complementary cover members hinged to said side walls and foldable toward one another over the container, and end flanges on each cover member which are received in said end wall channels when the cover members are closed. l 4'- 1, 1

3. In a container having side and end walls, each end wall comprising inner and outerlayers and the inner layer of each end wallhaving an upper edge portion folded downwardly and then upwardly to join the upper edge of the outer layer and provide an upwardly opening channel between the two layers there being a slot extending downwardly from the upperedge of the inner layer of each end wall and there being ajregistering slot formed in the downwardly folding yarcoaeve upper edge portion folded downwardly and then 7 upwardly to join the upper edge of'the outer" layer and provide an unwardly opening channel between the two layers, there being a slot extending downwardly from the upper edge of the inner layer of each end wall and there being a registering slot formed in the downwardly folding part of each channel, complementary cover members hinged to said side walls and foldable toward one another over the container, side and end flanges on each cover member, and angularly bent corner tongues connecting the side and end flangeathe:

I upwardly to join the upper edge of the outer layer and, provideiamupwardly opening channel abetween the two layers, there} being a'slot extending downwardly-from the upper edge of the inner layer of eachendwall and there being a'registering slot formed in the downwardly folding part of each channel, complementary cover members hingedlto said sidewalls and foldable tciwardvone another over the container, side and end flanges on each cover member, the ends of saidside flangesflbeing received in the upper edge slots of the end walls and said end flanges being received in said endwall channels when the cover members are closed, and metal'fstaples securing saidend wall .layers and channel-forming parts 3 in assembled position: sothatthe Cha'nnelsxfric tionally aid in maintaining the cover end flanges in position when the cover members are closed.

6. In a container having a bottom provided with end flaps and having side walls provided with endflaps, end walls for the container, each end wall comprising inner and outer layers between which the end flaps of the bottom and side walls of the container are received, the inner layer of each end wall having an upper edge portion folded downwardly and then upwardly to join'theupper edge of the, outer layer and provide an upwardly opening channel between the two layers,*there being a fold line between said downwardly and upwardly folded channel-forming parts with slots in the ends of said fold line for receiving upper end portions of the side wall end flaps, complementary cover members hinged to said .side walls and foldable toward one another over the container, and end flanges on each cover member, said cover end flanges being received in said end Wall channels when the cover members are closed.

' 7. In a container having a bottom provided with end flaps and having side walls provided with end flaps, end walls for the container, each end wall comprising inner and outer layers between which the end flaps of the bottomand side walls wardly and upwardly folded channel-forming parts with slots in the ends of saidfold line for receiving upper end portions of the side wall end flaps, there being a slot extending downwardly from the upper edge of the inner layer of each end wall and there being a registering slot formed in the downwardly folded part of each channel,

complementary cover members hinged tosaid side walls and foldable toward one anotherover the container, sideand? end flanges on each cover member, the ends of said cover side flanges being received in the upper edge slots of the end walls, and said cover end flanges being received in said end wall channels when the cover members are closed.

- 8. In a container having a bottom provided with end flaps and having. sidelwalls provided with end flaps, end walls for the containerfeach end wall comprisng inner and outer'layers, between which'the'end flaps of the bottom and side walls of the container are received, the inner layer ofeach end wall having an upper edge portion folded downwardly and then upwardly to join the upper edge of the outer layer and provide an upwardly opening channel between the two layers, there being a fold line between said downwardly and upwardly folded channel-forming parts with slots in the ends of said fold line for receiving upper end portions of the side wall end flaps, there being a slot extending downwardly from the upper edge of the inner layer of each end wall and there being a registering slot formed in the downwardly folded part of each channel, complementary cover members hinged to said side walls and foldable toward one another over the container, side and end flanges on each cover member, the ends of said cover side flanges being received in the upper edge slots of the end walls, and said cover end flanges being received in said end wall channels when the cover members are closed, metal staples at the ends of each channel extending through the inner and outer end wall layers, through the channel-forming portions, and

through the upper ends of the sidewall end flaps, and metal staples for securing the side and bottom wall end flaps in position between the layers. 9. In a container having side and end walls, each end wall comprising inner and outer layers and the inner layer of each end will having an upper edge portion folded downwardlly and then upwardly to join the upper edge of the outer layer and provide an upwardly opening channel between the two layers, a cover member hinged to the upper edge of at least one of the side walls and foldable over the container, and end flanges on said cover member which are received in said end wall channels when the cover is closed.

WALTER G. GLASCOFF, JR. CHAS. W. EVERT. 

